When to reach for the main blade?

[P2P]

Lets say your out and about on the town and while in one of the stores there is something that needs to be cut Do you pull out the main blade or do you reach for the back-up? why?
I would have to say I usually reach for the multi-tool:barfmy back-up) in public because I'm trying to be polite. Unfortunately this is not nearly as convenient and I'm getting tired of taking the time to reach for the smaller less menacing blade.
There are a lot of variables to this like where you live and where you are at the time but in general around strangers are you confident enough to reach for the main blade?

Help me get over my phobia or let me know I'm not alone

 

[The Government]

If all you needed was the back-up blade, then you were right in using it.

No need to use a larger knife than the job demanded.

That way, you keep your primary nice and sharp for when the size is needed.

 

[TyFrameLock]

I always use my main blade (Sm Reg Seb) I see no use in carrying a "backup" blade. The only other time that I have another blade on my person is when i'm at work which is on my Ti Leatherman, which that blade never gets used for anything.

I even pull out my Seb and use it as a ruler (in very public places) since I know the exactly length of blade and handle and overall length, I can use it to determine the size of other things that need to be measured out.

 

[P2P]

this has been my main philosophy, but the caveman in me wants to use my tactical blade for utility as well.

 

[P2P]

I always use my main blade (Sm Reg Seb) I see no use in carrying a "backup" blade. The only other time that I have another blade on my person is when i'm at work which is on my Ti Leatherman, which that blade never gets used for anything.

I even pull out my Seb and use it as a ruler (in very public places) since I know the exactly length of blade and handle and overall length, I can use it to determine the size of other things that need to be measured out.

Anyone ever offended by you using the knife?

 

[Big Barn]

I've had people give me the 'look' when I use one of my larger knives in public but I always tell them it's a tool & NOT a weapon. Then again, my normal EDC is normally under a 3" blade lenght

 

[program_57]

I have a pretty little 2" fixed blade I use for everything. People look at me funny, but not in fear. If I snap open the para2, on the other hand . . . well, let's just say people tend to get concerned.

There will always be some people who gasp at the sight of a knife someplace other than the kitchen, but if everyone is giving you look of terror when you get out your edc, maybe your edc is overkill?

 

[P2P]

my most carried is 3 1/2 to 4 all drop point and clip point

 

[clockman]

I usually use the the dragonfly se I carry in my lr pocket when out in public. I always have a big folder in my lf pocket that I use the rest of the time.

 

[김원진]

not even in public, just amongst friends and newly acquainted friends, i've had a couple looks when pulling out a 3.5 edc to cut something, then had to explain so they didn't think i was some weirdo. this wouldn't happen if i was still in the south. but the west coast is very much a different culture/mindset

 

[riderV3]

I always carry 3 knives with me, a main fixed blade, a folder, and a last ditch tool.

The folder is the user of the day, anybody needs somthing cut I take out my folder.

The main fixed blade is actually my back-up if somehow I'm disarmed of my folder.

and of course when all fails I still have my last ditch, like a Strider LM nail.

 

[P2P]

My excuse is that " its just my cowboy knife"

 

[matt1987]

i always have a sak recruit on my keys mostly for the bottle opener and flat heads. i don't use the blades much so i suppose they're a back up, but my main knife is usually all i need.

 

[P2P]

i always have a sak recruit on my keys mostly for the bottle opener and flat heads. i don't use the blades much so i suppose they're a back up, but my main knife is usually all i need.

What kinda size are you using

 

[Orion's Belt]

When I'm carrying a bigger blade (Spyderco Military, Para/2 or Endura) I'll normally use my Lady Bug on my keys to cut something around the general public. They always seem to gawk when I whip out the Millie.

 

[XanRa]

I always have atleast one blade in every pocket, and maybe even one or two on the belt sometimes- I just grab which ones the most convenient for the task and where my hands are- I usually don't care what other people think

 

[archieblue]

My personality says much more than my knife. My usual EDC is 3.5-4" and I've never had anyone bat an eye. ...worked in offices carrying a Strider SA, Sebenza and the like. If someone mentions it, I usually tell them all about it. I can't think of anyone who does not see my nice tool as at least interesting.

 

[ptk_pitbull]

I always have atleast one blade in every pocket, and maybe even one or two on the belt sometimes- I just grab which ones the most convenient for the task and where my hands are- I usually don't care what other people think

+1. If I carry it it's gonna get used regardless of those who just happen to be around. Not too worried about their sheeple mindset...course I live in Arizona.

 

[A.P.F.]

I frequently carry longer blades. Just last nite, in a crowded ER waiting room, I whipped out my Endura to trim a hospital wrist band. No problemo. I did exactly the same thing a couple of weeks previous as well, again, no problem. I do however find that people are more polite afterwards.

 

[neuron]

I carry a Victorinox in my LFP and a large folder in my RFP and just tend to use whatever is most appropriate for the task. For example, if someone needs help cutting a piece of food or opening a package/envelope, the thin blade of the Vic is perfect for the task. For tasks that are more demanding in terms of robustness, wear resistance of the steel, and so forth -- or when I only have one hand free -- I'll use my main folder.